Our Processes

Depending on the type of material the drum has contained and the ease with which it can be removed, collected drums are generally sorted into two categories:

Those which can be cleaned using washing facilities (reconditioning) and

Those which will need to go through a furnace for cleaning (remanufacturing).

Reconditioning and remanufacturing extend the life cycle of drums without compromising quality and provide cost effective and complimentary alternatives to new packaging. Our services are conducted in accordance with safety and resource consents.

Reconditioning

Drums which have contained 'easy to handle' materials such as food and beverage or personal care products can be cleaned using an automated five stage tunnel washer. This process is known as reconditioning. Auckland Drum's Penrose site offers this service and is the most sophistocated of its type in New Zealand.

Having been thoroughly drained of any residual contents, drums are dedented pneumatically then conveyed mechanically through the five stage tunnel wash. A variety of other processes are then performed on the drum including chaining, acid washing, chime straightening, buffing and repainting. The process culminates in a final inspection, leak testing and recertification to DG standard where applicable.

Remanufacturing

Drums which have contained harsher materials including paint, ink, dried resinous compounds and adhesive materials will generally need to be cleaned using heat.

This process is called thermal oxidation or pyrolysis and is conducted in accordance with safety standards and resource consents. Auckland Drum's Avondale site offers this service and is the only plant of its type in New Zealand.

Shot blasting prepares the drum surface for further processing including mechanical reforming which delivers a 'close-to-new' drum body.

A new food contact approved lining is applied internally so that that our drums can be used for a range of applications from chemicals and coatings through to food.

Brand new closed head tops are double seamed onto bodies followed by painting and application of various new bungs. Open head options are also available. The process culminates in a final inspection, leak testing and recertification to DG standards where applicable.

Dangerous Goods Recertification

If your company transports DG rated products, Auckland Drum is qualified to recertify drums to DG standards - a legal requirement when transporting dangerous goods. All reconditioned or remanufactured drums are clearly labelled with the relevant recertification information.